October 5, 2009
I have struggled with how this one should be completed because I actually already live in a place I love-North Carolina. Sure, I’m biased as its where I grew up and have lived all my life, but I think its pretty swell. And so do others:
- Raleigh, NC is number two on Kiplinger’s list for best cities to live, work, and play http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2008/07/2008-best-cities-to-live-work-play.html
- Raleigh is number one and Durham is number three on Forbes list for best city to work/have a career http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/1/bizplaces09_Best-Places-For-Business-And-Careers_Rank.html
- Durham is number five on the list of US News and World Report for Best Cities to Live http://www.usnews.com/money/best-places/listing/north_carolina/durham
- We’re one of the top places to relocate http://top100.relocate-america.com/
- We’re number eight as a place for younger people to move to get jobs and mates http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703787204574442912720525316.html
- And my teeny tiny little town (not the larger metro area) got Best Schools with the Most Affordable Zip Codes from Business Week http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/09/0924_zip_codes_with_great_schools/11.htm
Unfortunately, others are seeing these lists too and moving here, making us also one of the fastest growing areas in the country
- http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/01/news/economy/fastest_growing_cities/index.htm
- On Forbes list for Welcoming the Most Newcomers in 2008 http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/01/growing-american-cities-lifestyle-real-estate-relocation.html
After all, what’s not to love?
- Affordability (I bought my house at age 25-could you do that where you live?)
- Location (I’m 2 hours from the beach and 3.5 hours from the mountains. We’re actually the exact halfway point between New York City and Miami, just fyi)
- Great climate (maybe a little hot in the summer, but you betcha I ain’t shoveling snow, and hey, if it snows, no work!)
- Plenty of things to do (I’ve got minor league baseball, NHL Hockey, and the BEST college basketball rivalry in my backyard, and that’s just sports. We’ve got major performance halls that bring in the hottest shows, great restaurants, and plenty of parks and trails for hiking and all that outdoorsy stuff).
- And best of all, we weren’t hit as hard by the economy. People are still buying houses and there are still jobs to be had. I’m not saying we’ve completely escaped the downturn; after all, I got laid off in March, but I found a job three weeks later, didn’t I?
So I don’t know what to do about this one. I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to live in a place outside of my birthplace. And for awhile I thought I’d like to live in Manhattan; I feel like the best version of myself when I’m there. However, the last time I went and stayed for a week, I found myself getting irritated with the general lack of SPACE. I felt like I couldn’t get alone, away from people, and I need my space. So I’m thinking if I started to feel that way after a week, living there may be too much. Alex and I have both discussed that we fear we may fall in love with New Zealand and want to live there, but we haven’t even gotten there yet, so I can’t say.
Where would YOU want to live, if you could live anywhere?
ANOTHER study came out today saying we’re the smartest http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-10-04/americas-smartest-cities—from-first-to-worst/?cid=bs:archive9#gallery=787;page=1;item=
OMG – I think I may have to move there! You make it sound so wonderful.
I’m pretty happy where I live. After all, I can walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. I do wish we had mountains, though. After our trip to Costa Rica, my husband and I swore we would move there. I think we’re just going to have to retire early, live on our boat, and travel the world for me to accomplish this one.
Oh, you reminded me, we’ve also got one of the best beaches in the world http://www.travelchannel.com/Travel_Ideas/Best_Beaches/Ocracoke%2C_North_Carolinia but yeah, I guess a lot of people like where they live, or they wouldn’t live there!
Alright, Miss One-Upper! I get it…you’re place is better than mine
I’m planning a visit!
Heck I may have to visit YOU! The next space shuttle launch, I’m there!